"Terrible"- Ilona Maher hilariously calls out Gabby Thomas' idea of running a marathon

Ilona Maher shared that she and Gabby Thomas running the marathon would be 'terrible' after the latter popped an open question with a poll for her social media fans. Thomas was the Grand Marshal of the final event of World Marathon Majors, whereas Maher stepped in as the event's confidence coach.

Gabby Thomas and Ilona Maher had successful Paris Olympic runs. Thomas won three golds (200, 4x100m, and 4x400m relay), while Maher helped the USA clinch the rugby sevens bronze. While the sprinter shifted her focus to a series of fashion exploits, Maher graced the celebrity roster in Dancing With the Stars season 33, currently underway with weekly episodes dropping on Tuesdays.

Thomas and Maher attended the New York City Marathon in special roles. The three-time Olympic gold medalist sprinter was honored as the Grand Marshal of the NYC Marathon and the rugby player helped athletes as the event's confidence coach, partnered with Maybelline.

On Sunday, November 3, Thomas posted a photo with Ilona Maher on her Instagram story, asking fans whether it would be a good idea for them to run the marathon.

"Should @ilonamaher and I run a marathon?"

The poll options read:

"Heck Yes" or "Stick to your sports"

Maher shared the story and doubted running a marathon, thinking the feat would be terrible but funny.

"That would be terrible but also hilarious," she wrote.

Ilona Maher discards Gabby Thomas' idea of running the marathon; Instagram - @ilonamaher

In a recent Instagram story update, Maher voiced how inspired she felt to watch the runners give blood, sweat, and tears while running the marathon.

"The marathon is moving along smoothly. I’m getting inspired—I’m ready to cry! Everyone is just working their tails off, running miles and miles. It makes me want to run, but I won’t!” she said.

Ilona Maher getting inspiration from the NYC Marathon athletes; Instagram - @ilonamaher

Maher added:

"I’m rocking my lipstick as always; it makes me feel bold and confident, and I hope these runners feel that way too.”

Gabby Thomas expressed pride in attending the NYC Marathon as the Grand Marshal

Gabby Thomas looking on at the 2024 Athlos NYC - (Source: Getty)

The five-time Olympic medalist donned a black-and-white outfit and paired it with a dazzling blue sash with 'Grand Marshal' written on it. She attended the final World Marathon Majors stop the night before the event kicked in, taking pride in her new role.

She shared her feelings as the Grand Marshal via an Instagram reel.

"Fearless, heroic, authentic, iconic, the greatest of all time," the audio said.

Her post caption read:

"LETS DO THIS NEW YORK!!!"

The Olympian ended her 2024 track season with the Athlos NYC, the women-only track event she participated in as the 200m headliner.